Most Whatcom County residents know a CSA as a Community Supported Agriculture produce supplier. The Drayton Harbor Community Oyster Farm is a Community Supported Aquaculture oyster provider.

Started in 2001, the first manager we met in 2004 or so was Geoff Menzies. Steve Seymour, a recently retired Fish and Wildlife Department employee, has now taken on that responsibility.

Because of impaired water quality, Drayton Harbor is closed to shellfish harvest from November through February. Even during the spring harvest period, harvest will be temporarily suspended for six days following 24-hour rain events of 3/4 inch of rain or more.

The 2013 season is up and running now, and CSA members can receive 13 dozen oysters for $100 over the season; that can be one, two or more dozen at a time, ordered in response to the manager’s email announcement that oysters are available. Non-members can purchase oysters for $8.00 a dozen while supplies last.

Steve disperses the oysters from Gate 3 dock in the Blaine Marina, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Fridays and at the Bellingham Farmers’ Market on Saturday.

He has recently teamed up with the aquaculture program at the Bellingham Technical College, from which students will volunteer with the oyster farm and manage projects as part of their course work.